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Holding Pattern

You’ll note in this blog that the photos are quite small. This will hopefully be temporary as I’m trying to figure out how to make them larger in the blog but yet, still maintain the resolution of the photos. Apparently the photos that I’ve been enlarging in the past on this new blog format have “stretched” the resolution which makes them appear fuzzy.

Today was another beautiful one after a perfect weekend of temperatures right around 80 degrees F. This week looks favorable as well and the gardens continue to look beautiful. I just noticed this American basket flower (Centaurea americana) blooming in the Heirloom Garden (seen above). Our job for the next six weeks is to maintain as much color as we can as we head in to October. We had an excellent turnout of volunteers today and the grounds staff hit the ground running. Larry H., Cindy, Trevor, Terry and Big John all had a wide range of tasks which included watering and more tidying in many locations.

Heirloom Garden (above) looking good

Monarch Promise™ variegated milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) – annual

Our volunteers had a very productive day. Eva (above) worked with Kathy (below) on weeding the CaladiumCollection which is looking quite nice right now. Ron R., Bob C. and Lloyd weeded and tidied up all the tree circles in the arboretum. Alan M. helped weed the entrance garden with Larry H. Larry O. pumped out and cleaned the sunken garden pool. Dave, Vern and Jim worked on installing new edging out in the gardens while Steve had some other projects. Ron Y. painted while Dr. Gredler and Rollie were out for their mowing rounds. Dick H. ran to the dump and worked on multiple vehicle repairs. Maury helped with some projects and Kristin and Stan tidied the Japanese garden. Kathy and her mom, Grace, planted many perennials and shrubs and helped weed later on. Marv tidied up both moss gardens. We also saw Dick P. and many others today.

I am the Director of Horticulture at Rotary Gardens (Janesville, WI). Along with a talented grounds staff and dedicated volunteers, I enjoy being involved with this wonderful botanical resource. My educational background is in landscape architecture and urban forestry but it didn't take long to become a plant enthusiast and find a lifelong career.